Author By: Justine Richards
When you leave familiar shores behind and travel in the tropics, the first thing that strikes you is the extreme contrast in almost everything. People, climate, sights, sounds, streets, and even the sky and the moon look different. Next stop, Mars? First timers can take considerable time to unbefuddle their senses. And then it becomes a race to take in as much of the new experiences as possible in the comparatively short time at hand. In this mad rush make sure you don't fall victim to a range of hazards that may easily be avoided with a little bit of common sense and some precautions.
First and foremost, travel in the tropics means you're basking under the glorious warmth of a stronger sun than you're used to. As you revel in that gorgeous tan you're developing, it is worth remembering to take precautions against sun burn and dehydration. Carry your sun block and drinking water around wherever you go, and not just when you're at the beach. Dress in cool cottons to keep the humidity at bay, and wear a hat and sunglasses.
While swimming in the sea, watch out for jelly fish stings and other similar hazards that can put a damper on your holiday cheer. If you discover a seemingly idyllic and deserted beach where the sea appears calm, think twice, thrice or more before you dive in. Some areas have strong undercurrents that just might send you on your last vacation in the sky. Always get enough information from local authorities about the best and safest places to bathe before deciding to strike out on your own, whether it's for a swim or a hike.
Eating out is an exciting adventure when travelling in the tropics. Strange cuisines ranging from fragrant to the grotesque tempt and dare your palate into trying things you normally would beat away with a stick. Well, you're on holiday and it's only natural to want to try anything once. This could result in anything from irritable bowel syndrome to Delhi belly. Well, now would be a good time to remind you to carry toilet tissue with you if you intend to be away from your hotel for a long time. Most toilets, especially in rural areas, do not stock tissue and you can save yourself tonnes of embarrassment if you have some with you!
You don't have to have something exotic to upset your stomach; even a mundane salad or iced drink can make you double over from bacteria in contaminated water. Avoid salads and ice unless you're sure of the source. Wash all fresh fruits thoroughly or better yet, eat only what you can peel. Make sure you carry medication for holiday tummy or food poisoning recommended by your doctor at home. Drinking from the tap is not an option in most countries. It's safer to carry your trusty brand of bottled water with you from your hotel if you intend to be out all day.
Mosquito repellents and bug sprays are a must when travelling in the tropics. Consult your doctor about the need for malaria vaccinations before you set out. While in the tropics try and stay indoors during late evenings when the mosquitoes swarm around. Shut doors and windows or use screens if they are available. You'll be better off in the hilly areas where you get to enjoy all the benefits of tropical countries without the hassle of blood sucking insects.
Before travelling to the tropics, discuss with your travel agent and your doctor, the need for certain immunizations such as yellow fever, depending on the area you're travelling to and general ones such as tetanus shots. Some countries require mandatory shots, while others don't seem to stress the need for any. Consult your doctor about the need for rabies shots if you intend to travel to remote areas or be in contact with animals. It would be in your interests, especially if travelling with kids, to check what applies to you.
Carry your own stock of first aid supplies including pain killers, band aids, disinfectants and even sterile disposable needles in case you need an injection are a good idea if you intend visiting remote areas. Make sure you get up to date information about seasonal viruses that are about at your tropical destination. Get authentic information about occasional health hazards such as bird flu, dengue fever, or other epidemics that may be making the rounds.
Read up on the place you intend to visit. Having an idea of what to expect, local customs, and food habits will smooth your transition and help you relax into your vacation more quickly. Getting to know the local people and gaining an understanding of their way of life and culture enriches your vacation in many ways, giving you a far deeper perspective of the place you are visiting. But don't abandon your native caution entirely as you relax, as touts or scammers can be rampant around tourist spots anywhere in the world. Watch out for pick pockets and petty crime. Never pull out a wad of notes in public. Always keep small change in separate pockets for easy access.
Travel broadens the mind they say. But if it's to the tropics it does things to your soul as well. It's an energising experience that brings people back again and again, to the extent that some go native and decide to stay on. Make sure that your experience of the tropics is a dream rather than a nightmare by following these basic and common sense safe travel tips.
Jumat, 18 Juli 2008
- Galungan Day to Kuningan
Penjor’s, Bali at the Galungan day
Photo By Putu subada Kusuma SH.Kn
Originally Author by J.E.S..
At 29 of November, we, the Balinese was celebrating Galungan day, it occur every 210 days on Balinese calendar system. Galungan mean “the day of the winning of Dharma (the Good) agains the evil.
I went to my hometown at the west side of Bali to celebrate that important day with my family. A day or two before the celebration, Balinese will start to make preparation of offering including penjor, the best part of the Galungan day is to prepare for original Balinese salad called Lawar, Lawar is differ by location, in Negare (that’s the name of my little town in west Bali) Lawar made from young coconut, very delicious. Well I am sure now I’ve already gaining weight :D . In the celebration day, it’s the time for us and all the villager to visit the Puseh Temple where located in every village in Bali. Actually there are three temple where every man must visit, the Merajan (house shrine), Pura Dalem, and Pura Puseh. The last visit was Jagatnatha in the centre of Town. The most important thing of all is the moment with my family, and friends at the village, priceless.
I am sorry I have no picture of this moment, I have to concentrate on my pray, and so lazy to go back again. The weather was so hot at that time.
After 10 days after Galungan, the Kuningan day will follow, but as usual I just pray in Denpasar used to be in Sakenan Temple, I will make sure I will have my camera with me to show you the Sakenan temple looks like.
- Barong & Rangda … good and evil
Author by Dee
Remembering what was the most scary creature that you really affraid of when you were a kid - The legend of Rangda, the evil witch in a monster form. The ancient Balinese community was a place where some of them learning the black magic (this legend is similar with other parth of the world), they can change their form of human into animal (mongkey or dog) and also can heart other people with their spell. We the Balinese call them “Leak (read about this here)“. At the recent time (21 century) we still can found one, but this is very rare.
The opposite of what I am talking about is Barong. This creature eventhough has a beast face, but it has the pure heart of white side (God Side), He is protecting the human from evil Rangda Spell. The Balinese then create a dance that describe this two creature, see the picture for detail. The real creature of Rangda(one of my family met this creature some years ago) is almost similar with the real one.
My dad said to me that we should not affraid of such thing, because god will not let the evil win over the good. But we can only maintain to have them still in balance.
Just an information, when you visit Bali, please make sure you watch this attraction, which is available for tourist attraction usually include on your Bali tour.
Remembering what was the most scary creature that you really affraid of when you were a kid - The legend of Rangda, the evil witch in a monster form. The ancient Balinese community was a place where some of them learning the black magic (this legend is similar with other parth of the world), they can change their form of human into animal (mongkey or dog) and also can heart other people with their spell. We the Balinese call them “Leak (read about this here)“. At the recent time (21 century) we still can found one, but this is very rare.
The opposite of what I am talking about is Barong. This creature eventhough has a beast face, but it has the pure heart of white side (God Side), He is protecting the human from evil Rangda Spell. The Balinese then create a dance that describe this two creature, see the picture for detail. The real creature of Rangda(one of my family met this creature some years ago) is almost similar with the real one.
My dad said to me that we should not affraid of such thing, because god will not let the evil win over the good. But we can only maintain to have them still in balance.
Just an information, when you visit Bali, please make sure you watch this attraction, which is available for tourist attraction usually include on your Bali tour.
- Tari Legong (Legong Dance)
legong dance
Originally Author by l_i_u_0.
The Legong dance might be the most interesting and graceful dance in the island, A legong is a girl, a young girl not older than early teens. According to the legend, this dance was inspired by the imagination of a king in 19 century. Others said that Legong was inspired by the dream of a King about goddess, the King then search the entire kingdom to find dance gurus and train them hard to make the dream close to reality.
The Legong Dance is a classic dance that has a very complex library of movement that flow along with gamelan. The word “Legong” is from the word “leg” mean elastic, elegance, and the word “gong” mean the music, so the Leg - Gong is a dance represents the epitomy of grace and femininity. The dancer has to let all the energy of the gamelan’s sounds flow to their body untill you feel shaking. The hands are the most mesmerizing, as the arms move up and about, the fingers are doing a dance of their own. They can make individual pairs of fingers flutter simultaneously, at the same time, the eyes are darting from left to right.
The story behind legong is very stylized and symbolic, involves three dancers, the two legong and their attendant, the congong. The legongs are beautifully dressed tightly with gold brocade that so surprising they can move so rapidly.
legong_dance.jpg
You can find Legong dance performance every Monday and Sunday nights at 7:30pm at the Puri Saren Palace Ubud.
- Kecak Dance - Balinese dance
Originally Author by adametrnal.
Kecak dance is one of Bali’s unusuall dance, not like any other dance, Kecak performed without gamelan. The name is actually taken from the rythim of the chanting ‘monkey’ chorus; cha-chak-cha-cak …
The story behind Kecak is taken from the Hindu epic Ramayana, the dance tells the story of Prince Rama and his rescue of Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka.
A troupe of over 150 bare-chested men serve as the chorus circling the flame at the centre where the dancer are performing.
In the 1930’s Wayan Limbak worked with German painter Walter Spies to create the Kecak from movements and themes in the traditional sanghyang exorcism ritual and the portions of the Ramayana. This collaboration between artists worked to create a dance that was both authentic to Balinese traditions but also palatable to Western tourist’s narrow tastes at the time. Wayan Limbak popularized the dance by traveling throughout the world with Balinese performance groups. These travels have helped to make the Kecak famous throughout the world.
- Balinese Temple
Author by Dee
Bali has been long known as the Island of the God, the only obvious reason why, there are thousand of temples in the island, not include in every house compound. The Balinese Hindu people are believe in one superior God, The Shang Hyang Widhi Wasa, who manifest into several God with a certain duty. That is why you can find the temples for the graveyard, houses, river, lake, market, sea, villages, etc.
- Balinese Family Compound
Author By Bali Daily
Bali’s heart of culture life is in their family compound. The compound is build to follow the concept of Tri Hita Karana, the central creed of the Balinese cosmos. It demands that the harmony of the universe always be preserved between man and God, between Man and the physical world, and between man and man.
For example, the house shrine is always in the kaja-kangin (north-east), the pigsty is at kelod (south) or the seaward part of the compound. In between are the pavilions for ceremonies, sleeping, and daily activities.
Bali Family Compound
Picture by Bruce G.
Here is the description of each number from the picture above:
1. Family Temple.
The house temple called Sanggah or Merajan, is the place to worship the ancestor and the Hyang Guru.
2. Sleeping Pavilion.
This building usually a large eight-post structure on a high base. A terrace usually attached for receiving guests at family ceremony.
3. West Pavilion
The west pavilion or Bale dauh, is the workhouse of the compound. Serving the variety of purposes, from gathering place to sleeping quarters.
4. Ceremonial Pavilion
The east pavilion, or bale dangin is the ceremonial pavilion. The place is where the life rites and death rituals occur.
5. Sakenam
The guest pavilion for relatives and children varies in size and number according to the needs.
6. Granary
Or the lumbung or jineng is the storage area for rice.
7. Kitchen
Or paon is in the south because of the association with Brahma (the god of fire) whose place in the south.
8. Protective Wall
Or aling-aling, most behind the gates to deflect the malign influences.
- Dreamland to become New Kuta Beach
Author By Nick | Permalink
Dreamland, the half finished resort on the western Bukit that leads down to the largest white sand beach in the area, is to undergo massive changes in the next 12 months. The ‘owners’ of the land which include Tommy Suharto, are planning to develop the area and the beautiful white sand beach is part of the plan.
Originally named Cimongka, Dreamland became a popular spot for intermediate surfers, due to its beach break and casual atmosphere with many beachside warungs. These warungs are destined for the garbage heap, the new developers demanding the beach be kept pristine. A section of the dry riverbed leading to the beach has been set side for the warung owners. The Bali Times has the whole story and it will be interesting to see how things turn out.
Back in 2003 locals manned a roadblock to Dreamland, demanding a small fee to access the beach. This they said was to compensate them from the illegal theft of their land by rich Jakarta businessmen. The army replaced them for a while and now it seems the developers are back in town. One long term Bali expat said to me that economically Indonesia is a country of bottom-feeders, the people having been screwed over so many times by their own government, locally leaders, and people in power. Hard not to agree and I feel sorry for the local people who lost their land. As for the warungs, maybe it was just 1 warung too many and the beach at Dreamland will look better without them. Not sure people will take to the name New Kuta Beach, better try something easy like Sunset Beach.
- Land issues becoming a talking point in Bali
Author By Nick | Permalink
Buying land and building a house or a business is a dream for many people in Bali especially outsiders. The reality is that owning land and living a stress free life is harder than you think and the process is filled with pitfalls.
One of the problems westerners have is they cannot legally own land in Bali and have to put the land in the name of a local, which has its own risks. I have talked to many people who own apartments and guest houses about how they handle the situation. Here in Bali the expat scene is a bit like southern California where you get people from all over world moving to a desirable place to start a new life and do not want to leave, often being prepared to do things they would not do at home in order to stay. Telling lies is part of the deal and I find that if I ask the same person the same question one week apart I often get a different answer. One week they own land, next week they lease land, one week they own a guesthouse, next week someone else owns it and they are the manager.
The British Consul told me there are examples galore of people trying to buy land in East Bali and getting taken for a ride, largely because there is no official record of land and its the Brooklyn Bridge scenario of someone selling you land and a while later the real owner wanting it back.
That does not mean it is impossible but that you have to exercise caution when slapping down hard cash. An older Balinese gentleman once told me the way it goes. A farmer sells land to a westerner, builds himself a house on his remaining land, buys and car, a couple of motorbikes and after 5 years the money is gone. Okay he thinks, now I want my land back. As a westerner who are you going to go to? You hold a piece of paper that has no record and the police are all local.
I know an American guy who owns a couple of blocks of apartments. He has a 20 year lease and after that is up he will lose the apartments. Maybe he does no care and if he manages to rent them out continously will get back much more than he put in, allowing him to live in Bali and make a profit.
A recent article points to another side of the coin. Balinese are quick to offer land for sale, with little thought given to how it will be developed. I think this shortsightedness is an extension of their business style, the quick buck rather than a long term approach, which in turn is the result of a lack of education and training. Basically the island is steadily being developed and the locals are being left out of the picture.
Much of this development is from Java. A lot of the small guest house and shops are western. There is a lot of Balinese development around the island in terms of houses, small shops and those butt ugly concrete walls they love to erect. This development is outside of the tourist industry but is no doubt the result of trickle down economics from tourism.
I would personally like to see everyone act in a more responsible way and think about the future of the island. The government should make education a priority. A person can only evaluate their situation accurately if they have they tools to do so. The local government should implement strict zoning laws on new construction and perhaps make leasing the only way for outsiders to use land. The locals should realize what the have and why foreigners come to Bali. Destroying the island with reckless development will destroy their livelihood eventually when tourists do not see Bali as a paradise anymore. Foreigners starting a new business in Bali should realize their crafty ways rub off on each other and in order for people to live the kind of life they come here for scheisters need to be put in their place.
The rest of us are better of enjoying Bali for what we know it to be, a different environment with friendly people, unique culture and a place like no other.
Buying land and building a house or a business is a dream for many people in Bali especially outsiders. The reality is that owning land and living a stress free life is harder than you think and the process is filled with pitfalls.
One of the problems westerners have is they cannot legally own land in Bali and have to put the land in the name of a local, which has its own risks. I have talked to many people who own apartments and guest houses about how they handle the situation. Here in Bali the expat scene is a bit like southern California where you get people from all over world moving to a desirable place to start a new life and do not want to leave, often being prepared to do things they would not do at home in order to stay. Telling lies is part of the deal and I find that if I ask the same person the same question one week apart I often get a different answer. One week they own land, next week they lease land, one week they own a guesthouse, next week someone else owns it and they are the manager.
The British Consul told me there are examples galore of people trying to buy land in East Bali and getting taken for a ride, largely because there is no official record of land and its the Brooklyn Bridge scenario of someone selling you land and a while later the real owner wanting it back.
That does not mean it is impossible but that you have to exercise caution when slapping down hard cash. An older Balinese gentleman once told me the way it goes. A farmer sells land to a westerner, builds himself a house on his remaining land, buys and car, a couple of motorbikes and after 5 years the money is gone. Okay he thinks, now I want my land back. As a westerner who are you going to go to? You hold a piece of paper that has no record and the police are all local.
I know an American guy who owns a couple of blocks of apartments. He has a 20 year lease and after that is up he will lose the apartments. Maybe he does no care and if he manages to rent them out continously will get back much more than he put in, allowing him to live in Bali and make a profit.
A recent article points to another side of the coin. Balinese are quick to offer land for sale, with little thought given to how it will be developed. I think this shortsightedness is an extension of their business style, the quick buck rather than a long term approach, which in turn is the result of a lack of education and training. Basically the island is steadily being developed and the locals are being left out of the picture.
Much of this development is from Java. A lot of the small guest house and shops are western. There is a lot of Balinese development around the island in terms of houses, small shops and those butt ugly concrete walls they love to erect. This development is outside of the tourist industry but is no doubt the result of trickle down economics from tourism.
I would personally like to see everyone act in a more responsible way and think about the future of the island. The government should make education a priority. A person can only evaluate their situation accurately if they have they tools to do so. The local government should implement strict zoning laws on new construction and perhaps make leasing the only way for outsiders to use land. The locals should realize what the have and why foreigners come to Bali. Destroying the island with reckless development will destroy their livelihood eventually when tourists do not see Bali as a paradise anymore. Foreigners starting a new business in Bali should realize their crafty ways rub off on each other and in order for people to live the kind of life they come here for scheisters need to be put in their place.
The rest of us are better of enjoying Bali for what we know it to be, a different environment with friendly people, unique culture and a place like no other.
- CONSULATES IN BALI
As at 01 August 2007
- AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL (Bali & NTB)
Mr Bruce Cowled - Consul General
Mr Rowland Pocock - Consul
Ms Adelaide Worcester – Vice Consul (Mixed Duties)
Mr Terry Nunn – AFP Liaison
Address:
Jl. Tantular 32, Renon, Denpasar
Phone Numbers: 241 118 , Fax: 221 195
E-mail: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.dfat.gov.au/bali
Consular hours:
Monday to Friday 0800 – 1200 & 1230 - 1600
Visa hours:
Monday to Friday 0830 – 1200
Emergency:
Call to Consulate Number (361) 241118 and follow the menu to connect direct to the 24 hr Consular Operations Centre in Canberra . Or make a call to Canberra number 02-6261 3305
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF BRAZIL (Bali)
Mr. Aureo Renato Vianna Filho – Honorary Consul
Address:
C/- By The Sea Store
Jl. Raya Legian No. 186, Kuta 80361
Phone: 757 775, Fax: 751 005
E-mail: brazilconsul@bali.net
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 18.00
- BRITISH HONORARY CONSULATE (Bali & Lombok)
Mr Mark Wilson - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Tirta Nadi 20, Sanur, Denpasar 80238
Phone: 270 601 , Fax: 287 804
E-mail: bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 12.30
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF CHILE (Bali & Lombok)
Mr Bernard Haymoz - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Pengembak Gg 1 No. 3, Sanur, Denpasar 80827
Phone: 281 503/ 756 781 , Fax: 756 783
E-mail: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 0830 – 1230
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC (Bali & NTB)
Mr Graham James - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Pengembak 17, Sanur
Phone: 286 465, Fax: 286 408
E-mail: bali@honorary.mzv.cz
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 16.30
- CONSULAR AGENCY OF FRANCE ( Bali & Lombok )
Mr Raphael Devianne - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Mertasari Gg. II No. 08, Sanur
Phone: 285 485, Fax: 286 406
E-mail: consul@dps.centrin.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY ( Bali & NTB )
Mr Reinhold Jantzen - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Pantai Karang No. 17, Sanur
Phone: 288 535, Fax: 288 826
E-mail: germanconsul@bali-ntb.com
Public Hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY ( Bali )
Ms Gabriella Cristofoli - Honorary Consul
Address:
C/- Marintur
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 219, Sanur
Phone: 287 701 , Fax: 735 232
E-mail: huconbali@telkom.net
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 12.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF ITALY ( Bali & NTB )
Mr Giuseppe Confessa (Pino) - Honorary Consul
Address:
C/- Lotus Enterprise Building
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Jimbaran
Phone: 701 005, Fax: 701 005
E-mail: italconsbali@italconsbali.org
Website: http://www.italconsbali.org
Public Hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 13.00
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 16.00
- CONSULATE-GENERAL OF JAPAN ( Bali , NTB, NTT )
Mr Yoshimasa Iwata – Consul General
Mr Shusaku Hirashima – Deputy Consul General
Address:
Jl. Raya Puputan 170, Renon, Denpasar 80235
PO. BOX. 3432 Denpasar Bali
Phone: 227 628, Fax: 265 066
E-mail: konjpdps@indo.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 – 12.00 & 13.30 - 15.30
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF MEXICO (Bali, NTB, NTT & Jayapura)
Mr I Gusti Bagus Yudhara, MBA - Honorary Consul
Address:
Astina Tours & Travel Building
Jl. Prof. Moh. Yamin No. 1A, Renon, Denpasar
Phone: 223 266, Fax: 244 568
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00- 15.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE NETHERLANDS ( Bali & NTB )
Mr Al Purwa, MBA - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Raya Kuta 127, Kuta 80361
P O Box 3337 Denpasar 80001
Phone: 761 502, 751 517, Fax: 761 502, 752 777
E-mail: dutchconsulate@kcb-tours.com
Website: www.netherlandsembassy.or.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 12.30 & 13.30 - 16.00
Visa Hours:
08.30 - 12.30 only
- ROYAL DANISH (DENMARK) HONORARY CONSULATE ( Bali & Lombok )
Mrs Loeana Kanginnadhi - Honorary Consul of Denmark (Royal Danish)
Address:
Mimpi Resort, Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
Phone: 701 070 Ext. 32, Fax: 701 073/4
E-mail: danishconbali@mimpi.com
Website: http://www.mimpi.com
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 – 14.00
- NORWEGIAN HONORARY CONSULATE
Ms Mira Chandra - Honorary Consul of Norway
Address:
Mimpi Resort, Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
Phone: 701 070 Ext. 32, Fax: 701 073/4
E-mail: norwayconbali@mimpi.com
Website: http://www.mimpi.com
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 14.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF SPAIN ( Bali )
Mr Amir Rabik - Honorary Consul
Address:
Kompleks Istana Kuta Galeria, Blok Vallet 2, No. 11
Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta
Phone: 769 286/7, Fax: 769186
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF SWEDEN & FINLAND ( Bali & Lombok )
Mr Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Segara Ayu, Sanur, PO Box 3091
Denpasar 80030 Bali
Phone: 282 223 , Fax: 282 211
E-mail: sweconsul@yahoo.com
Office hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 09.00 - 12.00
- SWISS CONSULATE ( Bali )
Mr Jon Zurcher - Consul
Address:
Kompleks Istana Kuta Galeria (former Central Parking)
Blok Valet 2 No. 12, Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta
Phone: 751 735,761 511, Fax: 754 457
E-mail: bali-swiss@gmx.net
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 – 13.00
- THE ROYAL THAI CONSULATE ( Bali )
Mr. Peraphon Prayooravong – Honorary Consul
Mr. Poramate Khemwongthong – Consular Officer
Address:
Jl. Puputan Raya No. 81, Renon Denpasar 80235
Phone: 263 310, Fax: 238 044
Email: RTC_bali@thaimail.com
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00
Visa hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00 & 13.30 - 16.00
- CONSULAR AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ( Bali )
Mr. Joshua N. Finch – Consular Agent
Address:
Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 188, Denpasar 80235
Phone: 233 605, Fax: 222 426
E-mail: amcobali@indosat.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.30
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF MALAYSIA
Mr Feisol Hasyim – Honorary Consul
Address:
Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort
Jl Pantai Kuta, Legian, Bali 80030
Phone: 752 520 / 766 373 , Fax: 766 373
Email: info@consulmalaysia-bali.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIK ( Bali )
Dr. Jurgen Schreiber – Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Gunung Agung no. 93, Denpasar 80118
Phone: 426171 / 421385, Fax: 426477
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 08.00 – 16.00, Saturday 08.00 - 14.00
- CONSULATE GENERAL REPUBLIC DEMOCRATIC TIMOR LESTE
Mr. Manuel Serrano – Consul General
Address:
Jalan Prof. Yamin No. 4, Renon Denpasar
Phone: 235 093 , Fax: 235 092
Email: cgtl@dpsbali.com
Office Hour: Monday to Friday 08.30 – 16.30
Author By Bali Discovery Tours
- AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL (Bali & NTB)
Mr Bruce Cowled - Consul General
Mr Rowland Pocock - Consul
Ms Adelaide Worcester – Vice Consul (Mixed Duties)
Mr Terry Nunn – AFP Liaison
Address:
Jl. Tantular 32, Renon, Denpasar
Phone Numbers: 241 118 , Fax: 221 195
E-mail: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.dfat.gov.au/bali
Consular hours:
Monday to Friday 0800 – 1200 & 1230 - 1600
Visa hours:
Monday to Friday 0830 – 1200
Emergency:
Call to Consulate Number (361) 241118 and follow the menu to connect direct to the 24 hr Consular Operations Centre in Canberra . Or make a call to Canberra number 02-6261 3305
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF BRAZIL (Bali)
Mr. Aureo Renato Vianna Filho – Honorary Consul
Address:
C/- By The Sea Store
Jl. Raya Legian No. 186, Kuta 80361
Phone: 757 775, Fax: 751 005
E-mail: brazilconsul@bali.net
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 18.00
- BRITISH HONORARY CONSULATE (Bali & Lombok)
Mr Mark Wilson - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Tirta Nadi 20, Sanur, Denpasar 80238
Phone: 270 601 , Fax: 287 804
E-mail: bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 12.30
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF CHILE (Bali & Lombok)
Mr Bernard Haymoz - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Pengembak Gg 1 No. 3, Sanur, Denpasar 80827
Phone: 281 503/ 756 781 , Fax: 756 783
E-mail: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 0830 – 1230
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC (Bali & NTB)
Mr Graham James - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Pengembak 17, Sanur
Phone: 286 465, Fax: 286 408
E-mail: bali@honorary.mzv.cz
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 16.30
- CONSULAR AGENCY OF FRANCE ( Bali & Lombok )
Mr Raphael Devianne - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Mertasari Gg. II No. 08, Sanur
Phone: 285 485, Fax: 286 406
E-mail: consul@dps.centrin.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY ( Bali & NTB )
Mr Reinhold Jantzen - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Pantai Karang No. 17, Sanur
Phone: 288 535, Fax: 288 826
E-mail: germanconsul@bali-ntb.com
Public Hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY ( Bali )
Ms Gabriella Cristofoli - Honorary Consul
Address:
C/- Marintur
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 219, Sanur
Phone: 287 701 , Fax: 735 232
E-mail: huconbali@telkom.net
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 12.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF ITALY ( Bali & NTB )
Mr Giuseppe Confessa (Pino) - Honorary Consul
Address:
C/- Lotus Enterprise Building
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Jimbaran
Phone: 701 005, Fax: 701 005
E-mail: italconsbali@italconsbali.org
Website: http://www.italconsbali.org
Public Hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 13.00
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 10.00 - 16.00
- CONSULATE-GENERAL OF JAPAN ( Bali , NTB, NTT )
Mr Yoshimasa Iwata – Consul General
Mr Shusaku Hirashima – Deputy Consul General
Address:
Jl. Raya Puputan 170, Renon, Denpasar 80235
PO. BOX. 3432 Denpasar Bali
Phone: 227 628, Fax: 265 066
E-mail: konjpdps@indo.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 – 12.00 & 13.30 - 15.30
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF MEXICO (Bali, NTB, NTT & Jayapura)
Mr I Gusti Bagus Yudhara, MBA - Honorary Consul
Address:
Astina Tours & Travel Building
Jl. Prof. Moh. Yamin No. 1A, Renon, Denpasar
Phone: 223 266, Fax: 244 568
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00- 15.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE NETHERLANDS ( Bali & NTB )
Mr Al Purwa, MBA - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Raya Kuta 127, Kuta 80361
P O Box 3337 Denpasar 80001
Phone: 761 502, 751 517, Fax: 761 502, 752 777
E-mail: dutchconsulate@kcb-tours.com
Website: www.netherlandsembassy.or.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.30 - 12.30 & 13.30 - 16.00
Visa Hours:
08.30 - 12.30 only
- ROYAL DANISH (DENMARK) HONORARY CONSULATE ( Bali & Lombok )
Mrs Loeana Kanginnadhi - Honorary Consul of Denmark (Royal Danish)
Address:
Mimpi Resort, Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
Phone: 701 070 Ext. 32, Fax: 701 073/4
E-mail: danishconbali@mimpi.com
Website: http://www.mimpi.com
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 – 14.00
- NORWEGIAN HONORARY CONSULATE
Ms Mira Chandra - Honorary Consul of Norway
Address:
Mimpi Resort, Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
Phone: 701 070 Ext. 32, Fax: 701 073/4
E-mail: norwayconbali@mimpi.com
Website: http://www.mimpi.com
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 14.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF SPAIN ( Bali )
Mr Amir Rabik - Honorary Consul
Address:
Kompleks Istana Kuta Galeria, Blok Vallet 2, No. 11
Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta
Phone: 769 286/7, Fax: 769186
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF SWEDEN & FINLAND ( Bali & Lombok )
Mr Ida Bagus Ngurah Wijaya - Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Segara Ayu, Sanur, PO Box 3091
Denpasar 80030 Bali
Phone: 282 223 , Fax: 282 211
E-mail: sweconsul@yahoo.com
Office hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 09.00 - 12.00
- SWISS CONSULATE ( Bali )
Mr Jon Zurcher - Consul
Address:
Kompleks Istana Kuta Galeria (former Central Parking)
Blok Valet 2 No. 12, Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta
Phone: 751 735,761 511, Fax: 754 457
E-mail: bali-swiss@gmx.net
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 – 13.00
- THE ROYAL THAI CONSULATE ( Bali )
Mr. Peraphon Prayooravong – Honorary Consul
Mr. Poramate Khemwongthong – Consular Officer
Address:
Jl. Puputan Raya No. 81, Renon Denpasar 80235
Phone: 263 310, Fax: 238 044
Email: RTC_bali@thaimail.com
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.00
Visa hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 - 12.00 & 13.30 - 16.00
- CONSULAR AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ( Bali )
Mr. Joshua N. Finch – Consular Agent
Address:
Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 188, Denpasar 80235
Phone: 233 605, Fax: 222 426
E-mail: amcobali@indosat.net.id
Office hours:
Monday to Friday 08.00 - 12.00 & 13.00 - 16.30
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF MALAYSIA
Mr Feisol Hasyim – Honorary Consul
Address:
Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort
Jl Pantai Kuta, Legian, Bali 80030
Phone: 752 520 / 766 373 , Fax: 766 373
Email: info@consulmalaysia-bali.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 - 17.00
- HONORARY CONSULATE OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIK ( Bali )
Dr. Jurgen Schreiber – Honorary Consul
Address:
Jl. Gunung Agung no. 93, Denpasar 80118
Phone: 426171 / 421385, Fax: 426477
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 08.00 – 16.00, Saturday 08.00 - 14.00
- CONSULATE GENERAL REPUBLIC DEMOCRATIC TIMOR LESTE
Mr. Manuel Serrano – Consul General
Address:
Jalan Prof. Yamin No. 4, Renon Denpasar
Phone: 235 093 , Fax: 235 092
Email: cgtl@dpsbali.com
Office Hour: Monday to Friday 08.30 – 16.30
Author By Bali Discovery Tours
- Fashion Meets Nature
8th Bali Fashion Week Returns August 24-28, 2008.
Bali News: Fashion Meets Nature
(7/7/2008) Inspired by the Balinese axiom of "Tri Hita Kirana" that strives for balance in the relationships between God, man and nature - Bali Fashion Week 2009has adopted as its theme "Fashion Meets Nature."
Now a fixture on an increasingly busy calendar of annual events held on the Island, Bali Fashion Week will take place August 24-28, 2008, centered at the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in South Kuta.
Organizers are placing an emphasis on nature and preserving Bali's environment echoing, global survival themes launched during the historic U.N. Conference for Climate Change held in Bali in December 2007. Accordingly, designers and purveyors of fashion have promised to present exciting new creations using natural fibers and materials demonstrating that the world of fashion can be truly "green."
For three days in late August Kuta will come alive with fashion exhibitions, fashion shows, seminars and live performances as international fashion buyers descend on the Island to meet their counterparts from Indonesia’s large fashion and design industry.
Fashion Week's Founder
Founded as a personal article of faith in a time of extreme economic uncertainty, Bali Fashion Week is the creation of Indonesian fashion icon Mardiana Ika. A recognized leader in both World and Indonesian fashion circles, Ika has taken her simple idea of creating a larger market place for Indonesian fashion and turned it into an important event on Asia's fashion calendar. Those who travel to Bali can witness first-hand the "cutting edge" talent to be found in Indonesia's fashion industry during the Fashion Week will at the same time be introduced to the rich traditional textile tradition of Indonesia: batik, songket, ikat and sarongs.
© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected.
Bali News: Fashion Meets Nature
(7/7/2008) Inspired by the Balinese axiom of "Tri Hita Kirana" that strives for balance in the relationships between God, man and nature - Bali Fashion Week 2009has adopted as its theme "Fashion Meets Nature."
Now a fixture on an increasingly busy calendar of annual events held on the Island, Bali Fashion Week will take place August 24-28, 2008, centered at the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in South Kuta.
Organizers are placing an emphasis on nature and preserving Bali's environment echoing, global survival themes launched during the historic U.N. Conference for Climate Change held in Bali in December 2007. Accordingly, designers and purveyors of fashion have promised to present exciting new creations using natural fibers and materials demonstrating that the world of fashion can be truly "green."
For three days in late August Kuta will come alive with fashion exhibitions, fashion shows, seminars and live performances as international fashion buyers descend on the Island to meet their counterparts from Indonesia’s large fashion and design industry.
Fashion Week's Founder
Founded as a personal article of faith in a time of extreme economic uncertainty, Bali Fashion Week is the creation of Indonesian fashion icon Mardiana Ika. A recognized leader in both World and Indonesian fashion circles, Ika has taken her simple idea of creating a larger market place for Indonesian fashion and turned it into an important event on Asia's fashion calendar. Those who travel to Bali can witness first-hand the "cutting edge" talent to be found in Indonesia's fashion industry during the Fashion Week will at the same time be introduced to the rich traditional textile tradition of Indonesia: batik, songket, ikat and sarongs.
© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected.
- Royal Cremation in Ubud on July 15th
300,000 Residents and Visitors Expected at Cremation of Ubud Royalty.
Bali News: Royal Cremation in Ubud on July 15th
(7/13/2008) Local press reports estimate 300,000 local residents and tourists will flock to Ubud over the coming days leading up to the grand cremation of 3 members of the Puri Ubud royal household on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. In all, more than 68 traditional villages will play a formal role in the multi-day celebration.
The Puri Ubud ceremony will bid farewell to Tjokorda Gde Agung Suyasa the head of the royal household and leader of Ubud's traditional community since 1976; Tjokorda Gede Raka a retired Denpasar police officer; and Gung Niang Raka. Tjokorda Agung Suyasa was born on July 14, 1941, the third child of Tjokorda Gde Ngurah and Tjokorda Istri Muter. The oldest son of 10 children from Ubud’s last Raja, Suyasa died on March 28, 2008. Tjokorda Gde Raka died one week prior to Suyasa, while Desak Raka died on December 23, 2007. The current ceremony is the "final" and grand cremation for the three deceased.
A spokesperson for the Puri Ubud. Tjokorda Raka Kerthyasa, told the press that the current ceremony is biggest event of its kind since 1979. Royal households in Bali represent the focus of Bali's religous and cultural life, the Ubud cremation will involve the active participation of more than 68 villages. In addition to the three members of the royal household, 68 corpses from four Banjars will also be added to the funeral pyre.
Explaining the role of cremations in Bali, Kerthyasa told the press: "A cremation is not program of mourning but an organized program of entertainment for the souls of the dead to ensure they are not distracted by the tears of those left behind. On another level, a cremation is a shared enterprise of in which the deceased's family and the local community each play a role in order to share the burden and expense of the event.
The highlight of the event will take place on Tuesday, July 15th when all the human remains will be gathered on a purpose-built bade or portable platform standing 28.5 meters high and borne on the shoulders of the men of Ubud over a distance of 2 kilometers. The funereal procession will travel from the Puri Ubud complex to the Pura Dalem Puri Peliatan.
© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected.
Bali News: Royal Cremation in Ubud on July 15th
(7/13/2008) Local press reports estimate 300,000 local residents and tourists will flock to Ubud over the coming days leading up to the grand cremation of 3 members of the Puri Ubud royal household on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. In all, more than 68 traditional villages will play a formal role in the multi-day celebration.
The Puri Ubud ceremony will bid farewell to Tjokorda Gde Agung Suyasa the head of the royal household and leader of Ubud's traditional community since 1976; Tjokorda Gede Raka a retired Denpasar police officer; and Gung Niang Raka. Tjokorda Agung Suyasa was born on July 14, 1941, the third child of Tjokorda Gde Ngurah and Tjokorda Istri Muter. The oldest son of 10 children from Ubud’s last Raja, Suyasa died on March 28, 2008. Tjokorda Gde Raka died one week prior to Suyasa, while Desak Raka died on December 23, 2007. The current ceremony is the "final" and grand cremation for the three deceased.
A spokesperson for the Puri Ubud. Tjokorda Raka Kerthyasa, told the press that the current ceremony is biggest event of its kind since 1979. Royal households in Bali represent the focus of Bali's religous and cultural life, the Ubud cremation will involve the active participation of more than 68 villages. In addition to the three members of the royal household, 68 corpses from four Banjars will also be added to the funeral pyre.
Explaining the role of cremations in Bali, Kerthyasa told the press: "A cremation is not program of mourning but an organized program of entertainment for the souls of the dead to ensure they are not distracted by the tears of those left behind. On another level, a cremation is a shared enterprise of in which the deceased's family and the local community each play a role in order to share the burden and expense of the event.
The highlight of the event will take place on Tuesday, July 15th when all the human remains will be gathered on a purpose-built bade or portable platform standing 28.5 meters high and borne on the shoulders of the men of Ubud over a distance of 2 kilometers. The funereal procession will travel from the Puri Ubud complex to the Pura Dalem Puri Peliatan.
© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected.
- Editorial: Stopping the Land Grab
Bali Post Editorial Sounds Warning to the Balinese to Start Controlling their Precious Land Resources.
Bali News: Editorial: Stopping the Land Grab
(2/14/2005) The February 9, 2005, editorial in the Indonesian-language Bali Post published an urgent appeal to the people of Bali to take steps to preserve their quickly diminishing ancestral lands.
Outside Investors Controlling Bali's Land
Written under the headline "Stopping Outside Investors From Controlling Bali's Land Resources," the editorial laments that 85% of the estimated Rp.150 trillion (approximately US$1.63 billion) already invested in the Island's tourism industry is in the control of investors hailing from outside Bali. This leaves the remaining 15% in the hands of Balinese who, the editorial claims, receive an equally meager share of the tourism income pie.
Strongly suggesting that Bali has become something of a "waste bin" where substantial tourism transactions take place only to see profits quickly repatriated offshore, the editorial insists that the lack of Balinese representation in the control and ownership of tourism assets results in a number of negative lead-on effects, including denying the Balinese both a proper share of the benefits of tourism and meaningful senior manager job creation within that sector of the economy.
Echoing comments made recently at a number of high profile seminars in Bali, the Bali Post editorial maintains that the escalating growth in foreign exchange earnings produced each year by Bali's tourism industry is meaningless unless such advances result in real improvements in the welfare of the people of Bali.
The Land Grab
Year after year, the editorial goes on, valuable tracts of agricultrual land change hands in Bali only to be transformed into tourism projects, owned and controlled by non-Balinese.
The editorial admits that while many tourism operators make efforts to recruit local staff and pay government-mandated bonuses and wage benefits, the inevitable fact remains that the long term effects of these investments are taking a damaging toll on the Island's environment and traditional social structure, diminishing both the harmony and cultural integrity of Bali.
The editorial estimates that more than 1,000 hectare (more than 10 million square meters) of land disappears from the island's agricultural land bank each year in order to accommodate the voracious demand of hotel sites, strip malls, villas projects and other tourism projects – all largely owned and controlled by non-Balinese.
Time for a Change in Policy?
The editorial points to the growing damage caused by tourism's rapid development, suggesting that now is the time to end the freehold land tenure system in Bali in favor of lease holds of only 20-30 years after which land rights must revert back to Balinese owners.
With national tourism targets set at 6 million visitors for 2005 - 1.7 million of which are to visit Bali, the editorial argues that now is the time for strategic steps to be taken to preserve Bali's land assets and ensure that the future benefits of tourism increasingly accrue to the people of Bali.
Reflecting a growing discontent with the rapid rate of change and development now underway in Bali, the editorial warns that the Balinese must take urgent steps to preserve their cultural interests or risk becoming the equivalent of "a chicken that dies although surrounded by plentiful stocks of feed."
© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected.
Bali News: Editorial: Stopping the Land Grab
(2/14/2005) The February 9, 2005, editorial in the Indonesian-language Bali Post published an urgent appeal to the people of Bali to take steps to preserve their quickly diminishing ancestral lands.
Outside Investors Controlling Bali's Land
Written under the headline "Stopping Outside Investors From Controlling Bali's Land Resources," the editorial laments that 85% of the estimated Rp.150 trillion (approximately US$1.63 billion) already invested in the Island's tourism industry is in the control of investors hailing from outside Bali. This leaves the remaining 15% in the hands of Balinese who, the editorial claims, receive an equally meager share of the tourism income pie.
Strongly suggesting that Bali has become something of a "waste bin" where substantial tourism transactions take place only to see profits quickly repatriated offshore, the editorial insists that the lack of Balinese representation in the control and ownership of tourism assets results in a number of negative lead-on effects, including denying the Balinese both a proper share of the benefits of tourism and meaningful senior manager job creation within that sector of the economy.
Echoing comments made recently at a number of high profile seminars in Bali, the Bali Post editorial maintains that the escalating growth in foreign exchange earnings produced each year by Bali's tourism industry is meaningless unless such advances result in real improvements in the welfare of the people of Bali.
The Land Grab
Year after year, the editorial goes on, valuable tracts of agricultrual land change hands in Bali only to be transformed into tourism projects, owned and controlled by non-Balinese.
The editorial admits that while many tourism operators make efforts to recruit local staff and pay government-mandated bonuses and wage benefits, the inevitable fact remains that the long term effects of these investments are taking a damaging toll on the Island's environment and traditional social structure, diminishing both the harmony and cultural integrity of Bali.
The editorial estimates that more than 1,000 hectare (more than 10 million square meters) of land disappears from the island's agricultural land bank each year in order to accommodate the voracious demand of hotel sites, strip malls, villas projects and other tourism projects – all largely owned and controlled by non-Balinese.
Time for a Change in Policy?
The editorial points to the growing damage caused by tourism's rapid development, suggesting that now is the time to end the freehold land tenure system in Bali in favor of lease holds of only 20-30 years after which land rights must revert back to Balinese owners.
With national tourism targets set at 6 million visitors for 2005 - 1.7 million of which are to visit Bali, the editorial argues that now is the time for strategic steps to be taken to preserve Bali's land assets and ensure that the future benefits of tourism increasingly accrue to the people of Bali.
Reflecting a growing discontent with the rapid rate of change and development now underway in Bali, the editorial warns that the Balinese must take urgent steps to preserve their cultural interests or risk becoming the equivalent of "a chicken that dies although surrounded by plentiful stocks of feed."
© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected.
- The issue of land development in Bali
Author By Nick | Permalink
Buying land and building a house or a business is a dream for many people in Bali especially outsiders. The reality is that owning land and living a stress free life is harder than you think and the process is filled with pitfalls.
One of the problems westerners have is they cannot legally own land in Bali and have to put the land in the name of a local, which has its own risks. I have talked to many people who own apartments and guest houses about how they handle the situation. Here in Bali the expat scene is a bit like southern California where you get people from all over world moving to a desirable place to start a new life and do not want to leave, often being prepared to do things they would not do at home in order to stay. Telling lies is part of the deal and I find that if I ask the same person the same question one week apart I often get a different answer. One week they own land, next week they lease land, one week they own a guesthouse, next week someone else owns it and they are the manager.
The British Consul told me there are examples galore of people trying to buy land in East Bali and getting taken for a ride, largely because there is no official record of land and its the Brooklyn Bridge scenario of someone selling you land and a while later the real owner wanting it back.
That does not mean it is impossible but that you have to exercise caution when slapping down hard cash. An older Balinese gentleman once told me the way it goes. A farmer sells land to a westerner, builds himself a house on his remaining land, buys and car, a couple of motorbikes and after 5 years the money is gone. Okay he thinks, now I want my land back. As a westerner who are you going to go to? You hold a piece of paper that has no record and the police are all local.
I know an American guy who owns a couple of blocks of apartments. He has a 20 year lease and after that is up he will lose the apartments. Maybe he does not care and if he manages to rent them out continuously will get back much more than he put in, allowing him to live in Bali and make a profit.
A recent article points to another side of the coin. Balinese are quick to offer land for sale, with little thought given to how it will be developed. I think this shortsightedness is an extension of their business style, the quick buck rather than a long term approach, which in turn is the result of a lack of education and training. Basically the island is steadily being developed and the locals are being left out of the picture.
Much of this development is from Java. A lot of the small guest house and shops are western. There is a lot of Balinese development around the island in terms of houses, small shops and those butt ugly concrete walls they love to erect. This development is outside of the tourist industry but is no doubt the result of trickle down economics from tourism.
I would personally like to see everyone act in a more responsible way and think about the future of the island. The government should make education a priority. A person can only evaluate their situation accurately if they have they tools to do so. The local government should implement strict zoning laws on new construction and perhaps make leasing the only way for outsiders to use land. The locals should realize what the have and why foreigners come to Bali. Destroying the island with reckless development will destroy their livelihood eventually when tourists do not see Bali as a paradise anymore. Foreigners starting a new business in Bali should realize their crafty ways rub off on each other and in order for people to live the kind of life they come here for schiesters need to be put in their place.
The rest of us are better of enjoying Bali for what we know it to be, a different environment with friendly people, unique culture and a place like no other.
Buying land and building a house or a business is a dream for many people in Bali especially outsiders. The reality is that owning land and living a stress free life is harder than you think and the process is filled with pitfalls.
One of the problems westerners have is they cannot legally own land in Bali and have to put the land in the name of a local, which has its own risks. I have talked to many people who own apartments and guest houses about how they handle the situation. Here in Bali the expat scene is a bit like southern California where you get people from all over world moving to a desirable place to start a new life and do not want to leave, often being prepared to do things they would not do at home in order to stay. Telling lies is part of the deal and I find that if I ask the same person the same question one week apart I often get a different answer. One week they own land, next week they lease land, one week they own a guesthouse, next week someone else owns it and they are the manager.
The British Consul told me there are examples galore of people trying to buy land in East Bali and getting taken for a ride, largely because there is no official record of land and its the Brooklyn Bridge scenario of someone selling you land and a while later the real owner wanting it back.
That does not mean it is impossible but that you have to exercise caution when slapping down hard cash. An older Balinese gentleman once told me the way it goes. A farmer sells land to a westerner, builds himself a house on his remaining land, buys and car, a couple of motorbikes and after 5 years the money is gone. Okay he thinks, now I want my land back. As a westerner who are you going to go to? You hold a piece of paper that has no record and the police are all local.
I know an American guy who owns a couple of blocks of apartments. He has a 20 year lease and after that is up he will lose the apartments. Maybe he does not care and if he manages to rent them out continuously will get back much more than he put in, allowing him to live in Bali and make a profit.
A recent article points to another side of the coin. Balinese are quick to offer land for sale, with little thought given to how it will be developed. I think this shortsightedness is an extension of their business style, the quick buck rather than a long term approach, which in turn is the result of a lack of education and training. Basically the island is steadily being developed and the locals are being left out of the picture.
Much of this development is from Java. A lot of the small guest house and shops are western. There is a lot of Balinese development around the island in terms of houses, small shops and those butt ugly concrete walls they love to erect. This development is outside of the tourist industry but is no doubt the result of trickle down economics from tourism.
I would personally like to see everyone act in a more responsible way and think about the future of the island. The government should make education a priority. A person can only evaluate their situation accurately if they have they tools to do so. The local government should implement strict zoning laws on new construction and perhaps make leasing the only way for outsiders to use land. The locals should realize what the have and why foreigners come to Bali. Destroying the island with reckless development will destroy their livelihood eventually when tourists do not see Bali as a paradise anymore. Foreigners starting a new business in Bali should realize their crafty ways rub off on each other and in order for people to live the kind of life they come here for schiesters need to be put in their place.
The rest of us are better of enjoying Bali for what we know it to be, a different environment with friendly people, unique culture and a place like no other.
- Exotic Holidays to The Wonderful Island Of Bali
Bali is known as the ultimate island experience. This one place is world renowned for its diverse activities, scenery, culture and atmosphere. If you are thinking about getting away from it all and seeing an exotic land brimming with passion, pleasure, peace and perfection then Bali is the holiday destination for you.
Regardless of when you are able to travel, Bali holidays are perfect at any time of the year. You don't have to worry about weather conditions or anything of this nature as Bali remains at a warm 70-90 degrees F. through every season. During the winter storms do come in usually during the night hours and are gone during the days.
The panoramic vistas of the tropical landscape are gorgeous but there is so much more to this island habitat. The scenery includes: white water rapids flowing rivers through Bali, active volcanoes, historic temples and palaces, lush tropical forests, unique wildlife, and so much more. Bali holidays are memorable in so many ways.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that Bali holidays are going to be just another beach destination. There is such a vast array of things to do that you'll have a hard time getting to everything in only a week. Here are a few of the affordable excursions waiting for you to try out: visit the zoo, enjoy submarine, marine and wildlife safaris, play around at the water parks, be swept away on day, dinner or island cruises, go bungy jumping or even play paintball war games and test your skills in strategy. The sky is the limit on Bali holidays!
The Ritz Carlton is an excellent choice for your Bali holidays. They have a currency exchange right there at the hotel to make your life easier. The amazing accommodations are superb for your fantasy paradise including a secluded cove, private pools, and more.
Accommodations at Oberoi will definitely make you stand up and take notice. Guests can benefit from their own private pools and choose which setting they would like their villa to have a view of. The visual options include the lush tropical gardens filled with fragrant blossoms or the enchanting deep blue sea. Bali holidays can't get much better than this!
The Legian offers cottages and hotel rooms; both have service and quality that are superior. Parents can count on exciting and romantic Bali holidays by taking advantage of the trustworthy trained child care providers that they have available. Each villa has their own private pool amidst an aromatic array of blossoms and blooms.
Bali holidays may appear quiet when the sun goes down but at around midnight this tropical island paradise wakes up and comes alive! There is something for every night owl to enjoy when the darkness falls on Bali. If you love to: dance, sing karaoke, party disco style, go clubbing, listen to live music, be a part of the cultural drama-music or ceremonies then you will experience a fascinating night of fun and magical moments.
If you have ever dreamt of a place in your wildest imaginings of such delight, Bali holidays are the only thing that can come close to it. Tranquility and exhilaration meet, although on different sides of the spectrum a happy medium is always found here.
Regardless of when you are able to travel, Bali holidays are perfect at any time of the year. You don't have to worry about weather conditions or anything of this nature as Bali remains at a warm 70-90 degrees F. through every season. During the winter storms do come in usually during the night hours and are gone during the days.
The panoramic vistas of the tropical landscape are gorgeous but there is so much more to this island habitat. The scenery includes: white water rapids flowing rivers through Bali, active volcanoes, historic temples and palaces, lush tropical forests, unique wildlife, and so much more. Bali holidays are memorable in so many ways.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that Bali holidays are going to be just another beach destination. There is such a vast array of things to do that you'll have a hard time getting to everything in only a week. Here are a few of the affordable excursions waiting for you to try out: visit the zoo, enjoy submarine, marine and wildlife safaris, play around at the water parks, be swept away on day, dinner or island cruises, go bungy jumping or even play paintball war games and test your skills in strategy. The sky is the limit on Bali holidays!
The Ritz Carlton is an excellent choice for your Bali holidays. They have a currency exchange right there at the hotel to make your life easier. The amazing accommodations are superb for your fantasy paradise including a secluded cove, private pools, and more.
Accommodations at Oberoi will definitely make you stand up and take notice. Guests can benefit from their own private pools and choose which setting they would like their villa to have a view of. The visual options include the lush tropical gardens filled with fragrant blossoms or the enchanting deep blue sea. Bali holidays can't get much better than this!
The Legian offers cottages and hotel rooms; both have service and quality that are superior. Parents can count on exciting and romantic Bali holidays by taking advantage of the trustworthy trained child care providers that they have available. Each villa has their own private pool amidst an aromatic array of blossoms and blooms.
Bali holidays may appear quiet when the sun goes down but at around midnight this tropical island paradise wakes up and comes alive! There is something for every night owl to enjoy when the darkness falls on Bali. If you love to: dance, sing karaoke, party disco style, go clubbing, listen to live music, be a part of the cultural drama-music or ceremonies then you will experience a fascinating night of fun and magical moments.
If you have ever dreamt of a place in your wildest imaginings of such delight, Bali holidays are the only thing that can come close to it. Tranquility and exhilaration meet, although on different sides of the spectrum a happy medium is always found here.
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Kamis, 17 Juli 2008
- Learning To Dance in Bali
Author: HolidayCity
For many visitors to Bali, one of its most memorable charms are its sinuous, superlatively graceful dances. Almost everyone who visits Bali watches at least one dance performance; a few decide to go one step further and learn to perform these exquisite dances themselves.
For those who dare, there are plenty of ways to go about learning Balinese dancing. Most visitors don't realize their good fortune, but Bali is one of the few places in South East Asia where it is easy for a visitor
to learn an Asian cultural art. The island is unique in many ways, but especially in the way it treats the art
of dance. In most South East Asian countries, traditional dancing is the exclusive prerogative of the royal courts; in Bali however, dancing belongs to the common man, performed in every village and town for the gods, for entertainment and for simple pleasure.
Bali is also remarkable for being fiercely proud of its rich culture and artistic traditions, actively working to preserve and promote them. Combined together, these two attributes means that curious visitors have plenty of choice in how and where they would like to learn this captivating art.
Where To Learn Balinese Dancing
One of the easiest ways to learn Balinese dancing is too stay at the right place; quite a few hotels and resorts in Bali offer courses in traditional Balinese dancing, as well as other cultural activities. This is particularly true for hotels deeper inland and away from the beaches, where exploring cultural attractions overtakes partying as the most popular tourist activity. For example, guests staying at the Nikko Bali Resort & Spa, or the Matahari Beach Resort & Spa at Pemuteran village in the north, can easily take part in activities organized by the hotel.
Balinese dance classes are usually group sessions, though most hotels are happy to arrange private sessions for interested guests. Most of the dances are suitable for all age groups. There’s no equipment, and usually no fee, required — guests can just turn up and take part! The exercises tend to be entertainingly immersing experiences as trained instructors, who are almost always performers in a local dance troupe, will patiently lead giggling honeymooners, good-natured elders and mischievous children through the elegant moves. The lessons are usually accompanied by a gamelan orchestra troupe and often guests will be decked in sarong, headdress and sash, to really get into the spirit of things. There are also dinner performances specially for hotel guests, which the new learners can join in!
Most of the hotel courses are basically an introduction to Balinese dance; if you are seriously interested in Balinese dance and music, you can contact the Yayasan PolosSeni (Foundation for Pure Art) in Peliatan near Ubud, where dance classes can be arranged for a reasonable price.
There are also numerous village and town schools, where the locals themselves go to delve into their own artistic heritage; these can be excellent places to learn, especially as you’ll tend to be drawn into the real life and colour of the local community as well. For those really interested in studying at these establishments, it would be best to enquire among the hotel staff for some idea of which schools to approach. Some schools are basically communal in approach, while others are known for particular dances, so depending on which dance you're interested in, there may be a particular school you'd be aiming for.
There are dozens of dances in Bali, each with its own history and traditions. Some of the more common ones - the ones visitors are more likely to be taught - are the joget, or the legong, or the gambuh. If you're interested however, you can also ask the instructor for some basic teaching in the rarer dances, such as dances of the epic dramas, the topeng or the wayang wong. Some of these dances can be learnt in a day, and others take months of practice to really perfect, but even a day course can be a fascinating experience.
Watching A Balinese Dance
Once you've tried some of the moves, you might like to see the real thing performed as it should be. If you stay near the tourist areas such as Ubud, you can go to a dance performance almost every night. Most of these performances have been tailored to suit Western tastes (and attention spans — some traditional dances can last for hours on end).
For a far more unusual experience, visitors can make the trek to Tenganan, a secluded and fiercely independent village, famed as a stronghold of pre-Hindu tradition, where contact with visitors is still regulated to protect their way of life. Here, many of the ancient dances are still performed, not as tourist curiosities, but as a vital part of their traditions. Some of the most exotic and rarest dance performances (even by Bali standards) are held here at various times of the year, so check around the tour operators for more info.
If you're rather not go too out of the way, no fear though - on almost any given day, there is a temple festival happening somewhere in Bali and if you get a chance to see a performance at a temple festival, don’t miss it! For the polite and unobtrusive, the Balinese are happy to welcome into the celebration, and these temple performances can be far more moving and beautiful than the dances put on for the tourist shows. Best of all, if you’re really lucky and time your visit just right, you spend your days in Denpasar, watching some of the island’s best traditional dance performances for the annual Bali Arts Festival, particularly as the various schools of dance compete to put on the best show.
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